WHAT'S THE BLUE CARD?

Player welfare is NZ Rugby’s priority which is why we’re introducing the Blue Card Concussion Initiative.
Concussion can be serious and requires proper rest and management.
Referees will issue a Blue Card to players who sustain a head knock during a rugby game and demonstrate symptoms of concussion.
When issued a Blue Card, the player must leave the field of play and can’t return during the match.

DOWNLOADABLE INFORMATION

Below is a collection of useful and important information about the concussion initiative. All files are in PDF format.
Click on any of the images below to download the related PDF file.

VIDEOS

MEDICAL TREATMENT

If you are issued with a Blue Card you will have a mandatory stand down period, during which you cannot play or train until you have completed the full return to play protocols.

This is to ensure your risk of further injury is reduced as far as possible. Before returning to play you must receive medical clearance from a medical practitioner, and return this to your union at least 24 hours before play.

Axis Sports Medicine offer a free specialist sports concussion clinic at their St Johns and Glenfield clinics. Their medical experts have vast experience in rugby and sports concussion and include doctor to The Blues, Dr Stephen Kara. They aim to see each patient within a week of their injury.

The Axis clinic offers patients an early accurate diagnosis, advice and follow up, as well as a structured return to sport, based on New Zealand Rugby Guidelines.